As organisations seek to develop their future leaders, they are placing higher expectations on their training managers to deliver. But while doing so, top executives in the UK often ignore their own duties as role models by failing to pass on their knowledge to others or attend training classes, according to a study from the Ken Blanchard Companies.
In addition, they often fail to ensure that training is valued and recognised within their companies, said the survey of UK training managers who cited a lack of commitment from top management is their top frustration.
The study follows recent research in the US that cited an obsession among companies with developing leadership rather than instilling better management skills. Coaching firm CO2 Partners says managers and executives almost always select leadership development when asked their coaching or training preferences, even though they usually aren’t sure what they’re requesting.
The UK trainers said their biggest challenge was “proving the impact and ROI of training” to bosses. Some 25 percent said they believe training is directed at the wrong employees because individuals opt out of non-compulsory training programmes or because of insufficient resources. Even while setting poor examples, senior leaders seem all too eager to criticise their training departments, the poll revealed.